You are not alone. Start here.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): clear answers, from trusted sources
A plain-language guide for people with chronic kidney disease, newly diagnosed or not, and for the families who support them.
Whatever brought you here, a new diagnosis, a worrying lab result or a loved one who needs support, please know this: you are not alone. Many people have stood where you stand today, and many of them are happy to walk beside you.
Hearing the words "kidney disease" can raise a hundred questions at once. What do the stages mean? What is eGFR? Which tests will I need, and what should I ask my nephrologist? In this guide we explain the basics of chronic kidney disease: how it is diagnosed and staged, what common lab results mean in general terms, which symptoms are worth knowing about, and how people live well with CKD, including the diet basics that matter most.
How we work: every article is based on official, trusted health sources and links to them at the end, with the date it was last reviewed. We share general information only. We do not give personal medical advice, and nothing here replaces your care team.
Looking for recipes and everyday meal ideas? Food is where our community and our books come in. The private Facebook group is the place to share kidney-friendly meal ideas and experience, and Don's Food Press publishes cookbooks with easy low sodium, low potassium and low phosphorus recipes, including a cookbook for two. Start here for the information, and continue there for the kitchen.
General information only. It is not medical advice. Your nephrologist or renal dietitian knows your lab results and can tell you what is right for you.
Latest articles
First guides coming soon
We are preparing the first articles. In the meantime, you are welcome to join the community of people sharing everyday meal ideas.
You don't have to go through this alone
Behind every diagnosis there is a kitchen table, a family and a lot of questions. Our private Facebook group, Kidney-Friendly Food Diary, is a friendly corner where patients and caregivers share daily meal ideas, swap little victories and ask the questions they hesitate to ask elsewhere.
Come as you are. Read, ask, or simply say hello: there is always a seat at our table.
Join our welcoming group
Ready for the kitchen? Meet the cookbooks
Don's Food Press publishes easy, kidney-friendly cookbooks for stage 3: the main cookbook for two, plus two companion mini-guides, the Dessert Edition and the Holiday Edition.
See the books